Labor day weekend is upon us. Get ready for R & R. It's a time for rejuvenation and refreshment. There's no better way than to choose a destination where you can just shut down and relax. Make a choice where everything you do is simple and uncomplicated. There is nothing more uncomplicated and easy than making fresh fruit your meal or dessert choice. Just wash, slice, and enjoy. It's turned hot again. There's nothing more satisfying than a bowl of ice cream or yogurt topped with our tree ripe peaches or pluots. We also have many flavors of candied nuts to enjoy. Whether you're at the beach or in the mountains or in your backyard take time and enjoy the beauty around all of us. Take a deep breath, relax and take in the final lazy hazy days of summer. JIM

Welcome back from vacation! The last of the great summer holidays is upon us. Labor Day weekend, what fun. It's time for a family outing. I see more and more people just enjoying the river beaches and local getaways. This is the time to pack a pacnc basket and don't forget the fresh fruit. The pluots are especially good right now. We have flavor Grenades, Flavor Kings, Flavor Treats, and Flavorich. all are at their peak. Plum varieties ripe are Fortunes, Big Reds, and Emerald Beautys. Most people think that there are less fruit varieties to choose from in the fall. actually we have more to pick from than any other time of the year.

Bust out and picnic this next weekend. Enjoy the remaining days of the season. These are the adventures the family will treasure forever. JIM

It's time to can or freeze. Fruit is at it's peak for the summer. There are still many varieties to choose from. This week three of our favorite varieties are ripe. O'Henry peaches have a hearty peach flavor, freestone and easy to can. Emerald Beauty plums are an eyecatching green on the outside with a brilliant hue on the inside. Great for salads or garnish. The most requested pluot, the Flavor Grenade is coming into its sugar. It is the highest brick sugar piece of fruit we have.

Yes these are the wonderful days of summer coming to a close as school starts soon. Don't forget a healthy snack of fruit for the kids lunches or after school treat. Or maybe a tried and true idea, a piece of fruit to butter up the new teacher. JIM